Green-crowned Brilliant Hummingbird

[Gary Hamilton]

Green-crowned Brilliant Hummingbird
Costa Rica

Canon 1D MK IV
Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS
ISO 320
ss 1/200
f/11

4 flash setup
heliconia vellerigera flower

[Randy Stout]

Gary:

The flower is spectacular, the hummer nice as well. Subtle flash work which I appreciate. From a comp. standpoint, I find that the flower somewhat overpowers the bird. I would be tempted to remove the lower right flower that juts into the frame, just to reduce the flower mass a bit. I could also see a version with just a bit more exposure, perhaps 1/3 stop or so.

Cheers

Randy

[Gary Hamilton]

a quick re-post with Randy's suggestions

[laurie golden]

Hi Gary,

I think this flower will dominate any photo it is in and I say - let it. And I like the darker look a little better too. Both the dramatic flower and the darkness make this unique although I may be in the minority with this opinion. Perfect wing position on the hummer.

[arash_hazeghi]

I love the flower as much as the hummer, yes it is large but it is very interesting and complements the hummingbird nicely IMO. The repost looks much better and I would even make it a tad brighter. very cool!

[Randy Stout]

Gary:

I prefer the composition without the lower leaf. But, I do like certain aspects of the darker flowers, but feel the hummer is sig. too dark in the original, doesn't have much impact there.

So, I have taken your repost and tweaked the lighting a bit further, to bring up the bird and flower he is feeding on, downplaying the others slightly, but trying to retain the neat backlighting you created.

This image lends itself to countless variations. I guess because this is the avian board, not macro, I can't help but play up the bird a bit

Cheers

Randy

[Richard Unsworth]

A unique and beautiful frame - love it

[Miguel Palaviccini]

The repost is something else! Absolutely love the inclusion of the red flower.

[Peter Dexter]

Wow a great capture. I like the lighting better in the redone version and think the removal of the lowest flower makes the hummingbird stand out better.

[dankearl]

The flower is awesome and the bird is really nice also.
I like the repost.

[PhilCook]

So envious that we dont get these here in Oz, wonderful setting with that striking flower, nicely done particularly the reposts

[Gary Hamilton]

Thanks to all for your nice comments and suggestions, especially Randy. Taking out the bottom right portion of the flower and lightening portions of the image has really improved on the original post--helping the hummingbird stand out more. But you gotta love that heliconia too!

[John Cooper]

The repost by Randy works well for me Gary - both flower and bird very striking. And like Phil I've always been very envious that the hummers don't visit us down-under!